MODELING THE EFFECTS OF WEED INTERFERENCE PERIODS AND INSECTS ON BELL PEPPERS (CAPSICUM-ANNUUM)

Field experiments were conducted at Frederick, MD, in 1985 and 1986 to determine effects of weed-interference periods and insects on bell peppers. Weed-interference periods of approximately 40 and 60 d reduced both bell pepper fruit number and weight 10 and 50%, respectively. Bell pepper foliage weight was reduced 10 and 50% with approximately 20- and 50-day weed-interference periods. In 1985 and 1986, insect populations were low with an average of 10 and 3% of the pepper fruit infested, respectively. Most infested fruit was damaged by European corn borer. No significant differences in insect infestation of fruit as related to time of weed-interference periods were noted.